Northeast Cinema Shines at the Sailadhar Baruah Film Awards 2025
The much-anticipated 8th Sailadhar Baruah Film Awards (North East) 2025, a platform dedicated to showcasing and promoting the rich culture and shared values of the Northeastern region, took place on January 10 and 11 at the Rudra Barua Auditorium, Jyoti Chitraban Studio in Guwahati.
A Gathering of Cinema Lovers and Industry Professionals
The two-day event was a memorable occasion for all, drawing film critics, cinema enthusiasts, celebrities, and key figures from the film industry. The gathering served as an excellent opportunity for networking, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas.
Recognizing Excellence in Northeast Cinema
Each year, the Sailadhar Baruah Film Awards successfully highlight the remarkable talent emerging from the North East's film industry. This year, the prestigious Best Film award was presented to "Apot," a Khasi film based on a traditional folktale from Meghalaya. The film was directed and produced by Raphael Warjri.
- Best Director: Prakash Deka for the Assamese film "Nora"
- Best Screenwriter: Sanjib Sabhapandit for "Aakash Heno Nodir Naam" (Assamese)
- Best Music Director: Augustine Kurbah for "Apot" (Khasi)
- Best Cinematographer: Aniruddha Barua for "Taarikh" (Assamese)
- Best Sound Designer: Manas Protim Goswami for "Nora"
- Best Film Editor: Priyakanta Laishram for the Manipuri film "Oneness"
- Best Art Director: Bhaskar Jyoti Kalita for the Assamese film "The Woodcutter"
- Best Actor: Raju Roy for his performance in the Assamese film "Noi Kotha"
- Best Actor (Female): Rodali Bora for her powerful portrayal in the Assamese film "Burkha The Veil"
Special Mention Awards and Lifetime Achievement Honours
The jury also gave Special Mention awards to several deserving artists. Jatindra Nath Khanikar was recognised for his performances in the Assamese films "Burkha The Veil" and "Gomon." Dhiraj Kashyap received a special mention for his direction of the Assamese film "Brahmakanya," while Khanjan Kishore Nath was honoured for directing the Karbi film "Kangbo Aloti."
The Sailadhar Baruah Film Awards also conferred Lifetime Achievement Honours on eminent music composer Dr. Ramen Choudhury and popular singer Samar Hazarika.
Impact on Northeast and Indian Cinema
The Sailadhar Baruah Film Awards play a crucial role in fostering a stronger connection with the Northeastern region by using the unifying power of cinema. By celebrating and promoting the region's rich culture and shared values, the awards help to bridge the gap between the North East and the rest of India.
Reflections and Looking Forward
The 2025 Sailadhar Baruah Film Awards marked another successful year in recognizing and celebrating the remarkable talent emerging from the Northeast's film industry. As the region's cinema continues to grow and evolve, events like these will undoubtedly remain essential in fostering collaboration, celebrating achievements, and promoting the unique cultural heritage of the Northeast.